by Ryan King
Chapter 10 – Victory
General Anderson had to get control of the situation. He had not anticipated that the enemy would crumble so completely and so quickly. They were defeated, but the killing went on and threatened to disintegrate into mass murder. He saw that discipline and cohesion had broken down in the euphoria of victory following their earlier intense fear. The further he walked into the battlefield, the more he saw signs of executions and looting of bodies. He continued to hear the disquieting sounds of individual shots that could only mean one thing.
He saw tanks nearby. Anderson ran over and found Captain Beau Myers standing on top of his vehicle looking south with binoculars like he had just conquered the world. His soldiers were also gathered on and around the tanks with a similar attitude of celebration. He ran up and yelled to get the Captain’s attention.
Beau immediately responded with a smile, jumped off his tank and saluted Anderson, “Sir, the enemy is fleeing in all directions! We’ve won and we’re-"
“Stop, Captain!” yelled Anderson cutting through his enthusiasm. “I have a different mission for you and your men and I need it to be done right now.”
“Yes, sir,” said Beau, now calm and attentive.
“The army is coming apart right now and is vulnerable. They’re looting, killing, and doing God knows what else. We’re vulnerable to a counterattack and we have to get control. I’m afraid we’re also executing men who have surrendered. It may seem like a good idea now, but people will regret it tomorrow. I do now.”
“What do you need me to do, sir?” asked Beau.
Anderson sighed before continuing. There would be no returning from what he was about to do, but he saw no other way to stop the carnage and the craziness. Most would never forgive him. Nevertheless he felt it was the right call.
“Captain, leave a guard for the tanks and take the rest of your men on foot and sweep through the battlefield to get everyone back under control. Have soldiers report to their unit. Anyone who does not have a unit, or can’t find it, is to fall under your command. Any officer you see who refuses to do his duty, you have the authority to relieve on the spot in my name. Anyone who is executing or torturing prisoners is to be arrested. Do you have any questions?”
“Just one, sir,” said Beau gravely. “How far am I allowed to go in this?”
Anderson’s face was grim as he told Beau to gather his men around so he could tell them all. “Men, I’ve just given your commander a very key and difficult mission. You have authority to shoot anyone who does not comply. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I fear it will at first. I accept full responsibility. It’s up to you to bring the army back under control.”
They all nodded that they understood, heading off to do their duty.